Weeks updates

Friday, December 12, 2008
On Friday, we went to get Tania’s blood test results. We got Sasha’s yesterday and everything came out negative. We got to the clinic and were told that Tania tested positive for one of the tests but wouldn’t tell us for which test. (They were tested for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B&C and only the HIV and Syphilis test are required for their VISA’s to come to the US) We then went to the orphanage and picked up Tania and the school nurse. We ended up going to two different clinics. Tania had her blood drawn at one of the clinics for HIV. We thought that she could get a Syphilis test at the third clinic but when we got there they said the only place to get a Syphilis test was at the first clinic. (We think we were at the communicable disease clinic for the second test but we didn’t dare ask any of the other patients to confirm our suspicions). So we went back to the first clinic. Since Tania and the nurse were with us they let us know that Tania had just barely tested positive for HIV. They said they thought the results may have been from a recent vaccination. Knowing how many times David has had false positive tests for various medical conditions, we really aren’t too concerned. We should find out Monday the results of the second test.
The clinic didn’t have a current number for any of the clinics. We found out that all of their phone books were out of date. We would have been surprised about this a few weeks ago.
That afternoon, we got together with the kids to show them our blog. Marina (our translator) had printed out a copy of it for us. The caretaker was interested in the pictures that we had posted otherwise it didn’t create much interest. But it did lead into a great conversation about what life in Utah would be like. We think they will go to school for more days in the US than in Ukraine. Tania perked up about learning how to cook. Sasha showed a little interest but I think he would rather do sports than cook.
Saturday,
Tania showed us some pictures that she had. She had a bunch of Sasha visiting the French couple. It really made us understand why Sasha was torn about coming with us. It did look like a very nice place. There were quite a few of both of the kids in the orphanage. I hadn’t realized how long some of the kids had been together in the orphanage.
Little things come out everyday about various issues. Today we found out that Tania’s friend, Svieta, regrets turning down her Utah adoption offer. She has been encouraging Tania to come with us. We are very impressed that a 14 year old can advise another to not make the same mistake that she did.
Tania informed us that Sasha called the French couple and told them he plans to go with us to America. That was a big step for Sasha. We were thrilled.
Later, we were watching a DVD and it was interesting to see how respectful the other kids are to each other and to us. One of the boys kept leaning forward so that Marina couldn’t see the TV and another boy would get him to move back. Time and again we see little acts like this among the kids.
We have been told by others who have adopted here that it is really hard to leave behind some of the kids when it is time to leave. We have grown very attached to three of Sasha’s friends. Victor, Sergei and Sasha 2. Even Marina commented on the way home about how much she enjoys the boys.
Sunday
In church Sunday they reorganized Branch and made a new Branch President. The mission president came to town and spoke. The missionaries still act as councilors; one of the missionaries was branch president. We’ve been here so long they might as well give us assignments.
Monday
We are feeling much better. Other than worries about our length of stay and charges it has been much more enjoyable. Both kids, but especially Tania, have been fun. Tania does not have HIV. She'd better not, she gave us each a kiss last night.
Thursday
Everything went well in court, both kids said yes. Now we are going through the motions to get everything finalized and get the twins home :)